that's as may be

English

Phrase

that's as may be

1. That may be true or not; a non-committal or avoidant answer.
   • 1881–1882, Robert Louis Stevenson, “Silver’s Embassy”, in Treasure Island, London; Paris: Cassell & Company, published 14 November 1883, →OCLC, part IV (The Stockade), page 162:

     “Well, here it is,” said Silver. “We want that treasure, and we’ll have it—that’s our point! You would just as soon save your lives, I reckon; and that’s yours. You have a chart, haven’t you?”
     “That’s as may be,” replied the captain.

Related terms

• be that as it may

References

• “thats as may be”, in Collins English Dictionary.